Karen E. Murray

Karen E. (Speight) Murray, age 68 of New Bedford and Cape Cod, passed away on Thursday, January 31, 2019 in Care One of New Bedford, surrounded by her loving family. She was the former wife of William Murray and companion and friend of the late Lionel Soares Jr.

Born in Harwich, a daughter of the late Lucina (Speight) LeBlanc, she was a longtime area resident. Karen was employed as a floor clerk for Shaw’s Market in Harwich Port for 12 years, retiring in 2015. She also worked in various restaurants and retail shops in the New Bedford area.

Karen loved her family, especially her grandchildren and enjoyed knitting. She was Auxiliary President of the Dartmouth VFW Post #9059 from June of 1999 through June of 2000. She also held the offices of Trustee and Patriotic Inspector. Karen later transferred to the Chatham VFW Post #8607 Auxiliary, when she moved back to Cape Cod, later transferring back to Post #9059 and was sitting as Auxiliary Junior Vice President at the time of her passing.

She is survived by a daughter, Brenda M. Murray and her husband David Marks of New Bedford; two sisters, Elizabeth A. Centeio of Harwich and Gail Turpel and her husband Stephen of Acushnet; four grandchildren, Jarrod Vieira, Ernest Vardo III, Michael Brown Jr. and Cayden Brown; and several nieces and nephews; and many, many close friends. She was the mother of the late Stephanie L. Murray and sister of the Reginald and Matthew Speight.

Karen’s funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 5, 2019 at 7:00PM in the Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd, New Bedford, MA. Relatives and friends are invited. Visitation prior from 4:00 to 7:00PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions in in Karen’s name may be made to: American Cancer Association, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701 or to a charity of your choice. Burial private.